NYC muni-meter parking ticket question

Update: Here’s the current state of the law with respect to NYC muni meters in general, and an easy way to beat a parking ticket for failure to display.

Our good friend Bill posted a comment on Larry’s Blog asking me to review a Defense Letter he submitted to the Evil Empire for a violation of code 69: Failing to display “Muni-Meter” receipt in a commercial meter zone. At the time of his alleged parking ticket crime, Bill was unloading his property to the curb in a parking space for commercial vehicles controlled by a “Muni-Meter,” without first purchasing the time from the “Muni-Meter” machine.

Bill’s parking ticket defense

Here’s the Defense Letter Bill submitted to the Darth Vader’s at the Evil Empire Temple of Justice.

Parking Violation Number: ###########-2 
Date of Issue: 08/28/2010 
Vehicle Registration Number: ######## 

As per the parking violation, or Violation Code 69 states “Failing to show a muni-meter receipt, commercial meter zone.” My challenge is on the grounds that at the time the above Parking Violation was issued, I was unloading my vehicle, which was standing at a muni-meter zone and not parked. The parking violation receipt states “Failure to Disply Muni Rec (h) (10) DAYS/HRS: Except Su/8A-7P.” However, the vehicle must have been parked in order to have a receipt displayed. 

My vehicle was not parked at the location, rather standing at the metered zone unloading the contents of my vehicle. This would ultimately be a better position to stand, rather than having my vehicle stand next to a parked vehicle and as a result would have been considered “double-parked.” However, I was unloading, which is perfectly legal in New York City according to the below guidelines I followed for a No Parking Sign: 

1. Can I stop to drop off or pick up passengers? Yes 
2. Can I stop to load or unload a package, or merchandise? Yes 

New York City Traffic Rules state that one sign per block is sufficient. Please check the entire block and read all signs carefully before you park.
If there is more than one sign posted for the same area, the more restrictive one is the one in effect. If a sign is missing on a block, the remaining posted regulations are the ones that are in effect.  

I hope I have been able to present my case successfully and I look forward to receiving a  
notification that the Parking Violation made in my favor has been canceled in the next few weeks. 

Should you require any further information, please feel free to contact me at the above-mentioned address.  

Yours sincerely, 

Bil

The Parking Law

Here are some NYC parking rules you’ll need to know to advise Bil whether his Defense Letter is sufficient to win a dismissal of his NYC parking ticket.

4-08(h)(10): “Muni-Meters.” (i) No person shall, in any parking space controlled by a “Muni-Meter,” park a vehicle without first purchasing the amount of parking time desired from such machine. (ii) No person shall, in any parking space controlled by a “Muni-Meter,” park a vehicle without displaying a payment receipt in the windshield, where such requirement is indicated by posted signs

Would it be abusive if your chariot was towed for a muni meter parking violation?

Click on this link for the parking rules related to Stopping, standing & parking.

What would you advise Bill?

Would you recommend Bill finish his fight, and have his Defense Letter heard by a parking ticket judge? Or, would you advise Bil to accept the Darth Vader’s offer for a reduced parking fine in exchange for changing his plea to GUILTY?

And why?

Please help me formulate an answer to Bill’s excellent question. Fight or Apply for a reduced fine, that is the $65.00 question? I’ll post my answer to Bill on Friday

Larry’s recommendation- if you need help fighting a traffic ticket any where in the fair state of NY, you will be well served calling Matthew Weiss, Esquire. He is the best in my book! Simply click on the following link to be transported to Matt’s website…